Kukla's Korner Hockey

COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets have loaned forward Nikita Filatov to CSKA (pronounced CHESH-ka) of the Kontinental Hockey League for the remainder of the 2009-10 season, General Manager Scott Howson announced today.

Filatov has appeared in 13 games with the Blue Jackets this season, scoring two goals and adding eight penalty minutes and an even plus/minus rating. He has tallied 6-0-6 and eight penalty minutes in 21 NHL games over the past two seasons.

“Nikita is a top prospect in our organization and we believe it is in the best interest of his development to play more and in all situations in the KHL,” said Howson. “We have agreed to his request to be assigned to CSKA and this should afford him the opportunity to continue to work and develop his game in his hometown of Moscow.”

added 2:37pm, Dmitry Chesnokov of PuckDaddy talks to Filatov,

What are the main reasons of your decision?

There is only one reason. I think this is better for my development to go back and play in Russia. There are more opportunities there to develop as a player and to really compete. At least at this time. CSKA can give me more right now than Columbus, to whom I am thankful. And all I need is to get playing time.